Welcome to the “Watchability stakes” – a ranking of the weekly matchups ahead in the NFL. Games are tiered based on three factors: narrative, implications and general intrigue. You will be seeing The Lead’s NFL game watchability rankings at the start of the week to get you ready for football action.
Entering this week, the NFL calendar reaches a point where plenty remains in flux regarding the destinies of all the teams in the league.
After an exciting Week 5, volatility defines how this week’s slate could play out. For context, there are more Tier 3 games than there are in Tier 1 and 2 combined. Part of that is there aren’t as many headline-worthy matchups compared to the past few weeks. Additionally, there is such a clutter in the standings and plenty of inconsistency within the league.
There’s a lack of initial appeal, but the lack of certainty makes plenty of games have that decent floor, but high upside.
Consider the following before we get to this week’s watchability stakes.
The remaining undefeated teams (Kansas City and Minnesota) are off this week. Ditto for Miami and the Los Angeles Rams. There are only two games between teams sitting above .500. There’s still a lot at stake for teams sitting on the playoff bubble or one loss away from hitting the doomsday button. As a bonus, we’ve also got another week where there is an early morning kickoff in London.
Without further ado, here are your watchability stakes for Week 6 in the NFL:
Tier 1: Absolutely can’t miss
Washington Commanders (4-1) versus Baltimore Ravens (3-2) – Sunday @ 1 pm EST
- Unquestioned peak matchup in the early afternoon— and all of Sunday. Jayden Daniels versus Lamar Jackson is as elite of a quarterback matchup a fan could ask for. Washington’s strong start plus Baltimore’s recent resurgence makes this a big-stakes game for both teams.
Buffalo Bills (3-2) versus New York Jets (2-3) – Monday @ 8:15 pm EST
- Outside of being one of the better Monday Night Football games on paper, the pressure is growing for both teams. Buffalo is entering this game with back-to-back losses, including a puzzling result last weekend versus Houston. New York said farewell to coach Robert Saleh five games into the year. Bonus points for being a divisional matchup in what is, right now, a wide-open AFC East.
Detroit Lions (3-1) versus Dallas Cowboys (3-2) – Sunday @ 4:25 pm EST
- Another marquee game that is an absolute must-watch, especially out of the rest of the late-afternoon window games scheduled. Detroit is back in action versus a Cowboys team looking for a signature win. There are significant playoff implications with this quality NFC matchup.
Tier 2: This could be fun
San Francisco 49ers (2-3) versus Seattle Seahawks (3-2) – Thursday @ 8:15 pm EST
- An inter-division matchup where either team who loses could be in trouble. Seattle was stunned at home against the Giants, while San Francisco blew a 10-point lead to the Cardinals. As the only Thursday night game, this game could fault itself into Tier 1.
Tier 3: Decent floor, high upside
Arizona Cardinals (2-3) versus Green Bay Packers (3-3) – Sunday @ 1 pm EST
- In a crowded NFC field, another big game between two good-ish teams in the conference. In a mostly underwhelming 1 p.m. slate, this game stands out and has a case to be Tier 2.
Los Angeles Chargers (2-2) versus Denver Broncos (3-2) – Sunday @ 4:05 pm EST
- The Chiefs remain king in the AFC West, but the rest of the division is at least serviceable. One of the few inter-division matchups this week, and neither offense is super explosive. That means the winner will need big-impact plays, and the margin of victory will not be by that much. Expect a wild finish.
Cincinnati Bengals (1-4) versus New York Giants (2-3) – Sunday @ 8:20 pm EST
- Not the greatest matchup on paper: two teams sitting below-.500. However, there are still some legit stakes for both teams. Cincinnati is grasping for dear life at this point, and a loss could officially end their playoff hopes with months to go in the season. The Giants’ recent success means the Bengals will be playing for something on Sunday night.
Jacksonville Jaguars (1-4) versus Chicago Bears (3-2) – Sunday @ 9:30 am EST
- This one gets docked for being so early on a Sunday morning, but this game is at least Tier 3 with Jacksonville now in the win column. Being in London, this game screams something insane will happen.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2) versus New Orleans Saints (2-3) – Sunday @ 1 pm EST
- This should’ve been a Tier 2 game. New Orleans possibly losing Derek Carr this week changes things. Tampa Bay should be a clear favorite, but playoff implications and the divisional matchup make this game at least Tier 3.
Tier 4: It could always be worse
Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2) versus Las Vegas Raiders (2-3) – Sunday @ 4:05 pm EST
- This could be in Tier 3, but neither offense feels explosive and this could be another low-scoring, tight game. There are at least three late-afternoon window games that seem more critical to watch, but still keep an eye on the score at least.
Cleveland Browns (1-4) versus Philadelphia Eagles (2-2) – Sunday @ 1 pm EST
- Philadelphia is finally back on the field and desperately needs a win. So does Cleveland. Chemistry concerns and frustration on both sides at least create stakes for this game. Super interested to see who loses, and what changes might come from that.
Houston Texans (4-1) versus New England Patriots (1-4) – Sunday @ 1 pm EST
- New England’s regression after a strong first few weeks is starting to show. It won’t change against Houston, especially after Miami held the Patriots to 10 points.
Tier 5: Snooze Fest
Atlanta Falcons (3-2) versus Carolina Panthers (1-4) – Sunday @ 4:25 pm EST
- Rarely will you see two division matchups in Tier 5 in the same week. Week 6 is the exception to the rule. Even in a smaller slate, Atlanta-Carolina gets buried behind the rest of the options.
Indianapolis Colts (2-3) versus Tennessee Titans (1-3) – Sunday @ 1 pm EST
- This game could get weird, but there’s simply not much at stake.
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